At comparison sites like mustard cheap car insurance is quick and easy to find.
But what about choosing the car in the first place? With so many vehicles on the market, how do you know which one will be right for you? To help you make an informed decision as a new driver, here’s the ultimate guide to first cars.
Carefully consider the type of car you need
Like most things in life, planning is key to making sure you find the right car. With that in mind, think about the journeys you’ll make and the number of miles you’re likely to cover.
For example, a compact city car is ideal if you live in a busy town and need something small and easy to park. Whereas cars with decent boot space are a better option if you need to carry equipment for hobbies.
Check the car insurance group
When you’ve got a good idea of the type of car you need, the next thing to do is check which insurance group it’s in. There are 50 groups in total and all UK cars will belong in one. Generally speaking, the lower the group number, the cheaper the car is to insure.
Bear in mind that cars of the same model can be in different groups if they have slightly different specs. For instance, a basic Renault Clio might be in group four but one with more features could be in group 14 (which could have a considerable impact on your insurance premium).
To give you an idea of the cars you can find in lower insurance groups, here are the top five most popular first cars according to car valuation site Parkers.
1. Renault Clio (insurance group four)
This has been the best first car for new drivers for three years running. It’s practical and stylish enough to give drivers the best of both when it comes to performance and looks, so it’s not hard to see why it’s a constant favourite.
2. Volkswagen Up (insurance group one)
Not the most powerful car in the top five (but then it doesn’t pretend to be) so if you’re a regular on the motorway or need something with a bit of oomph, look elsewhere. But if your priority is small, neat and nippy, this could be the ideal car for you.
3. Kia Picanto (insurance group four)
A sporty city car that combines style and performance. If you buy new, you can also choose from a range of optional extras including heated seats and touchscreen infotainment system. Remember though, splurging on extras can also mean a higher insurance group (and pricier premium).
4. Ford Fiesta (insurance group four)
Another classic, the Fiesta rarely fails to make the list of best first cars. It’s practical and comes with lots of features as standard. As an extra bonus, the Fiesta is also economical to run.
5. Fiat 500 (insurance group five)
Basic models are group five so there are cheaper alternatives if insurance cost is a key concern. Nevertheless, they’re a popular car for new drivers looking for a stylish first car.
Factor in ongoing costs
Choosing an affordable car is one thing, but don’t forget to factor in all your other essential costs, which include:
- Car tax, officially called Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) — currently VED is £165 for petrol and diesel vehicles but you can avoid it by making sure you buy an emission-free car.
- Servicing fees — if you buy from a dealership, many will offer prepaid service plans which can help you budget. Otherwise, expect to pay around £160 for an annual check-up.
- MOT costs — if your car is more than three years old, it will need an annual MOT. The good news is that MOT prices are capped so at the moment, you shouldn’t pay any more than £54.85.
- Ongoing maintenance — you can’t ever predict what your car might need, but to stay trouble-free, you’ll need to keep on top of maintenance. That means budgeting for all those extra bits like tyres and oil top-ups.
Compare car insurance
It’s no secret that young drivers pay significantly more for car cover compared to any other age group. Unfortunately, that’s because under 25s are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident. In fact, it’s not unusual for some policies to cost in excess of £800.
To make sure you don’t pay over the odds for car insurance, always shop around at sites like mustard.co.uk. It’s quick, easy and best of all, you’ll be able to compare quotes from a whole host of leading UK insurers.
